Maitland City Council

Principal Planner – Senior Development Planner

The Opportunity:

Maitland City Council has several exciting opportunities within our Development Planning team, for a Principal Planner in a full-time permanent role, and several Senior Development Planners for full-time, temporary/ permanent opportunities.

As our Principal Planner, you'll lead the assessment of complex, high risk and politically sensitive developments, provide strategic leadership and expert guidance across the organisation, influence planning outcomes, and play a key role in developing capability, driving continuous improvement and shaping best practice planning approaches.

At the Senior Development Planner level, you'll take ownership of a diverse portfolio of development applications, provide specialist planning advice, build strong relationships with applicants and stakeholders, and contribute to mentoring and knowledge sharing within the team.

In both roles, you will apply your technical planning expertise and sound judgement to interpret relevant legislation, planning instruments and Council policies, while working collaboratively with applicants, consultants, internal stakeholders and the broader community.

About you:

For the Principal Planner role, you'll bring relevant planning qualifications and extensive development assessment experience, with a proven ability to lead the assessment of complex and sensitive proposals, whilst supporting and mentoring others. You'll be recognised for your strategic thinking, sound judgement and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments to achieve positive outcomes. You will foster and contribute to a positive team culture.

For the Senior Development Planner roles, you will be suitably qualified and will have demonstrated experience assessing development applications and providing professional planning advice, with the ability to manage competing priorities and build productive relationships with applicants, consultants, government agencies and the community.

About you:

• Degree qualifications in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Significant experience assessing complex development applications
• Strong working knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and relevant planning legislation
• The ability to interpret planning controls, identify key issues and provide sound recommendations
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• A current Class C driver licence

Benefits:

The Principal Planner role is a full-time permanent opportunity, working a 35-hour week with a salary range of $123,666 to $137,269 per annum, plus a motor vehicle allowance, plus 12% superannuation.

For the Senior Development Planner opportunities, these will be full-time temporary/permanent roles working a 35-hour week, with a salary range of $110,153 - $122,270 per annum, plus 12% superannuation.

The Senior Development Planner roles will commence in early 2027.

Council also offers a range of other benefits for its employees, including:

• Flexible work arrangements
• One extra week of "My Leave" a year (to use how you like!)
• Ongoing training and development
• Fitness Passport
• Healthy Employee Program
• 14 weeks paid parental leave (permanent roles only)
• Long service leave after five years (permanent roles only)

To apply:

To apply for this opportunity, please click 'Apply Now' and submit your resume and cover letter.

Questions:

Click 'Apply Now' to review the role charter. If after reading the role charter you have any questions, please contact Kristen Wells, Manager Planning & Development 0460 334 386.

Applications close: Wednesday 18 November 2026

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

What happens next?

Once applications close, we will review all candidates' details against the role requirements and will be back in touch with you to advise the status of your application.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing). Council also completes a range of other pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, psychometric testing or a criminal history check. For more information about the recruitment process, visit the "Jobs at Council" page on our website.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Maitland City Council is dedicated to providing a workplace that is inclusive and supportive and is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We support equal opportunities for all employees, and encourage applications from people from all cultures, nationalities, identities, and abilities. We believe all employees have the right to feel valued, respected and heard. If you have any special considerations or accessibility requirements, please let us know in the recruitment process how we are able to meet your needs.

If you require special assistance, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact us for a confidential conversation ([email protected])